FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa County Transit will offer free rides on Thursday as part of National Dump the Pump day.
The effort, sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, encourages everyone to consider public transportation as a cost-effective alternative, an OCT spokesperson said.
An average American household can save more than $9,500 annually by taking public transportation, according to the association.
Lani Birchett, the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners’ transit manager and grants coordinator, looks forward to the sampling opportunity.
“I’m proud of the fact that every day we help grow the economy by connecting businesses with clients, employees with jobs and students with opportunities to better themselves. Dump the Pump is a great way to get people on board OCT to experience first-hand our local public transportation service, a mode of travel that can ultimately save them both fuel and money,” Birchett said.
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Linda Sumblin, executive director of JobsPlus in Okaloosa County, said that many of her clients depend on OCT.
“Our clients utilize the bus to not only access our services but to connect with jobs once they’ve gained employment,” she said. “OCT is such a valuable asset and economic engine for this community.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa transit offering free rides (Crestview routes included)